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The Crucifixion of Jesus
26 And as they led him away, they seized one Simon of Cyre′ne, who was coming in from the country, and laid on him the cross, to carry it behind Jesus. 27 And there followed him a great multitude of the people, and of women who bewailed and lamented him. 28 But Jesus turning to them said, “Daughters of Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. 29 For behold, the days are coming when they will say, ‘Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never gave suck!’ 30 Then they will begin to say to the mountains, ‘Fall on us’; and to the hills, ‘Cover us.’ 31 For if they do this when the wood is green, what will happen when it is dry?”
32 Two others also, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. 33 And when they came to the place which is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on the right and one on the left. 34 And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” And they cast lots to divide his garments. 35 And the people stood by, watching; but the rulers scoffed at him, saying, “He saved others; let him save himself, if he is the Christ of God, his Chosen One!” 36 The soldiers also mocked him, coming up and offering him vinegar, 37 and saying, “If you are the King of the Jews, save yourself!” 38 There was also an inscription over him, “This is the King of the Jews.”
39 One of the criminals who were hanged railed at him, saying, “Are you not the Christ? Save yourself and us!” 40 But the other rebuked him, saying, “Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? 41 And we indeed justly; for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong.” 42 And he said, “Jesus, remember me when you come in your kingly power.” 43 And he said to him, “Truly, I say to you, today you will be with me in Paradise.”
The Death of Jesus
44 It was now about the sixth hour, and there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour, 45 while the sun’s light failed; and the curtain of the temple was torn in two. 46 Then Jesus, crying with a loud voice, said, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit!” And having said this he breathed his last. 47 Now when the centurion saw what had taken place, he praised God, and said, “Certainly this man was innocent!” 48 And all the multitudes who assembled to see the sight, when they saw what had taken place, returned home beating their breasts. 49 And all his acquaintances and the women who had followed him from Galilee stood at a distance and saw these things.
The Burial of Jesus
50 Now there was a man named Joseph from the Jewish town of Arimathe′a. He was a member of the council, a good and righteous man, 51 who had not consented to their purpose and deed, and he was looking for the kingdom of God. 52 This man went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus. 53 Then he took it down and wrapped it in a linen shroud, and laid him in a rock-hewn tomb, where no one had ever yet been laid. 54 It was the day of Preparation, and the sabbath was beginning. 55 The women who had come with him from Galilee followed, and saw the tomb, and how his body was laid; 56 then they returned, and prepared spices and ointments.
On the sabbath they rested according to the commandment.
John 3:13-17 - NRSV Catholic Edition
13 No one has ascended into heaven except the one who descended from heaven, the Son of Man. 14 And just as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, 15 that whoever believes in him may have eternal life.
16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life.
17 “Indeed, God did not send the Son into the world to condemn the world, but in order that the world might be saved through him.
Questions for Week 3
Daily Examen: How did you see God active in your life this week?
Luke 23:26 - Simon of Cyrene is forced to carry Jesus' cross. What might Simon’s action symbolize for us as Christians? How does carrying the cross behind Jesus serve as an example of Christian discipleship?
Luke 23:34 - Jesus says, “Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do.” What is the significance of Jesus’ forgiveness in this moment of extreme suffering? How can this example of forgiveness challenge us in our relationships and struggles?
Luke 23:39-43 - One of the criminals mocks Jesus, while the other defends Him and asks Jesus to remember him in His kingdom. How does this dialogue between the two criminals demonstrate different responses to Jesus’ identity and mission? What does Jesus’ response to the penitent thief, “Today you will be with me in Paradise,” reveal about the nature of salvation?
Luke 23:44-45 - At the moment of Jesus’ death, there is darkness over the land, and the temple curtain is torn in two. What is the significance of the darkness and the tearing of the temple veil? How do these events symbolize the breaking of barriers between God and humanity?
Luke 23:46 - Jesus cries, “Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit.” What does this final act of surrender tell us about Jesus' trust in the Father and His complete obedience to the Father’s will?
Luke 23:47-48 - The centurion declares that Jesus was innocent, and the people return home, beating their breasts. What is the significance of the centurion’s declaration? Look at the crowd’s behavior during Jesus’ trial (Luke 23:18-23). What does the crowd’s reaction to the centurion’s words suggest about the power of Jesus’ death to convict and transform hearts?
Luke 23:50-53 - Joseph of Arimathea, a council member, asks Pilate for Jesus' body and buries Him in a tomb. Why is it significant that Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the Jewish council, publicly takes responsibility for Jesus’ burial? What does his action teach us, and how can we apply his example today?
Luke 23:54-56 - The women who followed Jesus from Galilee observe the tomb and prepare spices for His body. What do their actions indicate about their faith and devotion to Jesus? Can their actions apply to our faith lives today?
As we reflect on Jesus' passion and death, how does it influence the way we approach suffering in our own lives? How can we unite our personal struggles with the suffering of Christ for a greater purpose?